SBP still in search of top exec

The search for an executive director for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas continues.

Manny V. Pangilinan, the SBP president, yesterday said although there’s already a short list of candidates for the sensitive position, the newly formed basketball body has yet to make its final choice.

Pangilinan said the search committee that was formed for this particular task has laid down the qualities of the executive director who will end up running the SBP’s day-to-day operations.

Ely Capacio, former chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association, heads the SBP membership and nomination committee, and will be tasked to make the final presentation to the board.

"They (some SBP members) have suggested some names for consideration," said Pangilinan who made a rare appearance at the PSA Forum at the Pantalan Restaurant.

"And I hope we find one pretty soon because the executive director will end up running the SBP’s day-to-day operations. I must confess that there’s a lot of work to be done," said MVP.

When the SBP was unveiled last Feb. 5 at the Dusit Hotel, Pangilinan mentioned the possibility of hiring a foreigner as SBP executive director on an interim basis.

But the plan has apparently been shelved as the names of Chito Salud, a young lawyer and son of former PBA commissioner Rudy Salud, recently cropped up as the top candidate.

Also mentioned as candidates were Ateneo’s Jose Capistrano, PLDT’s Al Panlilio, former PBA commissioner Jun Bernardino and former Pilipinas Basketball president Bernie Atienza. – Abac Cordero